I have turned away from the thought of writing fiction in the past through what I suppose is, actually, fear. The direct, raw invitation for the reader to come in and explore my imagination is fairly scary for me so I have busied myself with so much else.

Divorce is not easy, but if you genuinely put your kids first, that dictates the civility you should show each other. What example are you otherwise?

I keep my own personality in a cupboard under the stairs at home so that no one else can see it or nick it.

I've often said the most difficult things I have to say to people through humour. I can very quickly put someone in their place with it. But we all walk away unscathed because there's been some funnies around it, and I'll usually make sure that it comes back at me.

The person I have admired the most in comedy terms would be Eric Morecambe, who is my total hero.

I haven't really ever had to audition for anything.

That's the weird thing about not being married - you can't get regular kissing; you can't be guaranteed of it, and that's a great shame.